Sophie Ellis-Bextor has returned with her first music of 2025. “Relentless Love” was written and produced by Karma Kid (Rudimental, Shygirl) and Baz Kaye (Jessie Ware, The Blessed Madonna) and features writing from Sophie and JinJin (Raye) and mixing by David Wrench (Jamie xx, Hot Chip).
“‘Relentless Love’ came from my love of fun fairs and the way that falling in love and going on a ride can be a similar thrill. Ferris wheels, roller coasters… all of them can make your perception of reality a little wonky and give you a rush. They are sometimes unpredictable but also an exciting way to shift your perspective for a little minute,” Ellis-Bextor said of the song. “Plus, it’s a great place for a date… hence the line ‘you know it’s sweet as caramel, sitting beside you on this carousel.’ There’s definitely a romance in getting on a ride together and seeing where it will take you.”
In May and June, Ellis-Bextor will embark on her biggest ever U.K. headline tour. The 16-city run includes a sold-out night at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Last year, Ellis-Bextor ushered in a new era with the disco-pop anthem “Freedom of the Night.” “I have always been someone that needs music to help me recalibrate, and ‘Freedom of the Night’ is all about that feeling. Music as a form of release and a little bit of hedonism,” Ellis-Bextor said. “I’ve always needed that energy in my life, and I know I’m not alone. As the song says, sometimes you need to give in to what you want.”
“Freedom of the Night” arrived after Ellis-Bextor’s 2001 hit “Murder on the Dancefloor” experienced a massive resurgence after appearing in the iconic final scene of Emerald Fennell’s 2023 film Saltburn.
In July 2024, Ellis-Bextor teamed up with Felix Jaehn for the single “Ready For Your Love.” Ellis-Bextor released her 8th studio album, HANA, in 2023. The album charted at #8 on the UK albums chart, becoming her 5th Top 10 record. It was the third in a trilogy of records made with long-time collaborator and friend Ed Harcourt following 2016’s Familia and 2014’s Wanderlust.